Mark Wright looks downbeat as he tries to keep busy while wife Michelle Keegan begins 6-month TV role in South Africa

So it's perhaps unsurprising that former TOWIE star Mark Wright cut a glum figure when he was seen out-and-about in his native Essex on Friday.

The former reality TV cast-member was spotted looking downbeat as he tried to keep busy in his partner's absence.

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Lonely: Mark Wright cut a glum figure when he was seen out-and-about in his native Essex on Friday

Dressed in exercise gear, Mark seen cycling towards work to record the voice-overs for this weekend's 'Take Me Out: The Gossip' on ITV.

Mark was seen on the racing bike that his wife bought him for his birthday, but it clearly failed to bring him much joy.

In fact, he seemed noticeable downcast as he peddled along the busy roads - without his wife on-hand to keep him company.

Busy: Dressed in exercise gear, Mark seen cycling towards work to record the voice-overs for this weekend's 'Take Me Out: The Gossip' on ITV

Going solo: Mark was seen on the racing bike that his wife bought him for his birthday, but it clearly failed to bring him much joy

Head-to-toe in black Lycra, the handsome Strictly Come Dancing star was clearly looking to break a sweat on his commute into the capital.

Sporting a woolen hat for extra warmth, he was also wide to protect himself from the elements.

At one point he stepped off the bike to make a phone call, but tit didn't seem the person was able to speak - as he soon hung up and continued his journey.

Travelling light-hearted? Head-to-toe in black Lycra, the handsome Strictly Come Dancing star was clearly looking to break a sweat on his commute into the capital

Not impressed: Mark seemed noticeable downcast as he peddled along the busy roads - without his wife on-hand to keep him company

Keeping busy: Mark cut a dash as he sped through Essex ahead of a solitary weekend without Michelle

Mark has vowed to fly out as often as possible so he can be reunited with his wife, and told BANG Showbiz: 'I'm going to miss her but I'm going to go out there as much as I can.

'I'm going to miss her, I really am but I'm excited for her.'

Meanwhile, FHM's sexiest woman was full of anticipation ahead of her new project, revealing: 'I'm so excited about it; I can't wait to get over there and start filming. I've known about it for so long.'